Hey everyone, well i really want to make some jewellery to sell on eBay this summer, seeing as I'm jobless. I need to know the basics. I want to make kitsch jewellery using charms and such. You know those cute lil buttons you can buy? How do i take the plastic loop off the back? What do I need to buy?

And if i was to make necklaces? What chain would i buy? What are the little hoops i'd need to buy for charms, and whats the wire needed for? Also one last question, where online could I buy these supplies, with reasonably priced shipping to Ireland.

First, this is not to discourage you, but ebay is not a great place for selling jewelry anymore. When I first started in 1997, it was grand, as it was a new venue, and inexpensive, and a great way to get exposure. You might want to see where in your area your pieces might be placed. The competition on ebay is fierce, and many designers who have been there a long time are having trouble selling their goods.

Barring that, if you still want to go ahead,

There's usually a shank cutter right in the button aisle of the notions store. I don't know if craft stores have them, but don't hack up your good wire cutters by using them to cut the shanks.

Chain depends on whether you want to use sterling, brass, plated, nickel, etc. A search of google will tell you where you can buy supplies in Ireland, England, China, Australia.

If you're interested in making earrings, find some earwires (little earring hook thingies). If you or your customers have sensitive ears, invest in nickel-free or sterling silver earwires (which are uber expensive now). Also, pick up some headpins and eyepins. A simple Google search will show you what these are if you don't know.

Round nose pliers and flush cutters are useful when making jewelry. You probably won't find round nose at a hardware store, but most craft stores will have them (although I can't speak for craft stores in Ireland).

Last but not least, buy some beads!! There are several types, but I prefer to buy bulk mixes of glass beads. Definately the cheapest option, besides plastic. In my opinion, plastic beads look, well, plastic and unless you know what you're doing, they don't look too swell.

I don't have much advice about necklaces, but I hear leather cord is useful as well as crimp beads and clasps!

Good luck!! And try browsing around the other jewlery boards for inspiration and tutorials!

Yes, I've noticed that on eBay, I suposse I could set up another LJ for selling jewellery, try and sell some on eBay, and hopefully maybe try and sell soem to friends, etc. This advice is really useful. thanks you guys! I'm off to get some chain and clasps.

Also, I'm hoping to use shrinky dinks to make earrings, what images are copyrighted? Is there a site where I could find this sort of thing out? Obviously i realise Disney would be copyrighted, but I don't think Jack Skellington is. Thanks!!

Also, I'm hoping to use shrinky dinks to make earrings, what images are copyrighted? Is there a site where I could find this sort of thing out? Obviously i realise Disney would be copyrighted, but I don't think Jack Skellington is. Thanks!!

I don't know of a site that will tell you everything that's copyrighted, but you can pretty much be sure that if it's a television, comics or movie character, it's copyrighted.

For our FJD line, we use only original photographs and art from a few artists. That way, we don't have to worry about copyright infringement.

Also, I'm hoping to use shrinky dinks to make earrings, what images are copyrighted? Is there a site where I could find this sort of thing out? Obviously i realise Disney would be copyrighted, but I don't think Jack Skellington is. Thanks!!

I don't know of a site that will tell you everything that's copyrighted, but you can pretty much be sure that if it's a television, comics or movie character, it's copyrighted.

For our FJD line, we use only original photographs and art from a few artists. That way, we don't have to worry about copyright infringement.

FJD

Yup, thats true. I've seen people selling stuff on eBay though. If you sell it in bulk and commercially I suposse it wouldn't be allowed. Thanks doll!

I'm still having trouble on finding chain, and I'm not sure how to put beads on a necklace? tnx!

Just because people sell it on eBay doesn't mean it's legal - they are breaking copyright laws, but most of the time the companies who own the copyrights won't go after them as it is not worth the financial outlay to them - though it has been known to happen.

JK Rowling (of Harry Potter fame) has contacted ebay many times about (her) fake signatures being sold as genuine but eBay have not done anything for her!

There is a lot of fake stuff on ebay, from designer label bags and clothes to fake autographs and jewellery depicting characters from any range of cult classics - just look up hello kitty - over half that stuff is unofficial merchandise ie fake!